SCOTAND’S national poet has condemned a decision to shut six libraries in Aberdeen branding it “uniquely cold and shrivelling”.
The city’s council rubber-stamped the closures this week at a special meeting with shutters set to come down on Saturday.
Cornhill, Cults, Ferryhill, Kaimhill, Northfield and Woodside libraries have all been axed.
The Save Aberdeen Libraries campaign group has said it is considering legal action against the local authority.
Scotland’s Makar Kathleen Jamie has now weighed in on the debate saying she was “dismayed” to hear about the decision which will see libraries close in several poverty-stricken areas.
She said it meant communities would be deprived of literature and learning and insisted Scottish philanthropist Andrew Carnegie – who donated money to build thousands of libraries – would be “spinning in his grave”.
“As Makar, I’m dismayed to hear of Aberdeen Council’s determination to close six local libraries,” said Jamie.
“There is something uniquely cold and shrivelling about closing down libraries.
“It means that six communities - not all wealthy - are to be further hollowed out and deprived of the very things Scotland traditionally prided itself upon - literature, learning, equal access to education and information.
“Scotland is the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie. He must be spinning in his grave.
“Libraries mean literacy, learning, community, communication, warmth, a safe space, imagination and knowledge, right on the doorstep. Not everyone is mobile. We can do better.”
The role of Makar involves taking a leadership role in promoting poetry across Scotland, as well as producing work relating to significant national events. Jamie was appointed by former first minister Nicola Sturgeon for a three-year term in 2021 on the recommendation of an expert panel representing Scotland’s literary sector.
Protesters demonstrated outside council offices on Monday and handed over petitions in a bid to save the libraries, but their efforts were in vain as the council wielded the axe to save £280,000.
Save Aberdeen Libraries received support from writers including Peter May, Stuart MacBride, Damian Barr and Kirstin Innes, while crime author Ian Rankin retweeted information from the campaign.
In an open letter to the council, the group said “many people rely on these libraries, several of which are in our city’s most deprived areas”.
The council has argued that while it may be closing the library buildings, library facilities and services will not be reduced.
SNP councillor John Cooke said at a community meeting books and stock from the libraries will be moved into “hubs” at schools and community centres, according to the Press and Journal.
An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: “The council is facing significant financial pressures in 2023/24 and is having to reduce its spending in a number of areas.
"As part of the Budget process on March 1, the decision was made to close six libraries which is happening on April 1.
"People will still be able to use our library services at 10 branch libraries in locations across the city, Central Library in the city centre, or via our website."
